Picking a pooch-perfect place for Dog Friendly Ireland Day

Dogs Trust Ireland wants to discover just how dog friendly we are by getting pet owners to take to social media and document how accessible their favourite haunts are for doggy dates, writes Carolyn Moore.

Fri, 22 Jun, 2018 - 01:00

We may be a nation of dog lovers, but how dog friendly is Ireland? That’s what Dogs Trust hope to find out today, as they encourage dog owners to take to social media and document their adventures with their canine companions on Dog Friendly Ireland Day.

Whether you’re taking your dog to work, to lunch, or for an after-work drink, Dogs Trust want dog owners to highlight just how accessible their favourite haunts are for doggy dates, and spread the word using the #dogfriendlyireland hashtag.

“36% of Irish households now have a dog, compared to 26% in the UK,” explains Dogs Trust’s Sarah Lynch. “Yet in the UK, far more social places like cafes and bars are welcoming of dogs.

"We launched this initiative last year, with a focus on encouraging employers to allow people to bring their dogs to work, but this year we wanted to broaden the scope; highlight the fact that more places are becoming dog friendly, and encourage those who already are to shout about it.

“With so many dogs looking for homes, we believe more people would be in a position to adopt a dog if Ireland was more dog friendly and their dogs could be included in their lives,” she adds.

While one huge barrier to dog ownership is the difficulty of renting with a pet, another, she believes, is the issue of what to do with your dog while you’re at work.

“Recent research showed, in terms of work perks, being able to bring their dog to work was more important to millennials than gym membership,” Sarah says.

“This sold people on a job more than any other benefit, because the alternative is paying for doggy daycare or leaving their dog at home all day, which we would not encourage.”

For dog owner, Maria Tracey and her husband, James Wilson, having a daycare option in place was key to their decision to get their Pug, Poppy, two years ago.

James Wilson, Maria Tracey and Poppy the dog. Photo: Larry Cummins

The Cork couple says Poppy has never been left alone for more than an hour or two. “We decided before we got her that leaving a dog alone all day was not an option,” Maria explains, “so every morning she goes to James’ parents for ‘doggy daycare’ — that’s how we make it work.

“Leaving her for hours on end wouldn’t be fair to her, so it was important that we knew she’d have somewhere to go during the day, and that we were happy for her to be with us all weekend. She’s our dog and our responsibility, and she’s a huge part of our life now — I couldn’t imagine our lives without her.

“She’s hours of entertainment, and when we’re out and about it’s fantastic how much we get chatting to people because of Poppy."

"Initially, it was a little overwhelming just how much of a conversation starter she was, but now I love it, it’s part and parcel of being a dog owner,” she says.

Self-confessed foodies, the pair has always enjoyed an active social life. Far from cramping their style, including Poppy in their weekends now shapes how they spend their time, and, crucially for local businesses, where they spend their money.

Kinsale is a favourite spot; The Bulman welcomes dogs, and Nine Market Street go “above and beyond” to accommodate furry friends in their indoor eatery.

In general, Maria says, “We find most places with outdoor seating areas welcoming. There’s only been one occasion where we sat down in an outdoor area to watch a match and we were told Poppy couldn’t stay.

“She’s actually the reason we’re now regulars at The Cornstore,” Maria adds. “They’re so accommodating. They know Poppy by name; they’ll bring her a bowl of water and a blanket; and for us it’s amazing when people don’t just tolerate your dog, but are actually really lovely about it. There’s a huge relief that you just can just relax and enjoy yourself.”

They haven’t yet holidayed with Poppy, but that might be on the cards this year. For beauty entrepreneur Marissa Carter, though, pet-friendly accommodation is a priority when she’s planning summer holidays with her husband, two kids, and “her first born” — her nine-year-old Bichon Frise, Cherry.

Marissa Carter and her dog Cherry. Photo: Evan Doherty.

“Cherry comes to work with me every day, she’s like my shadow,” Marissa says, and because of Cherry, the family have staycationed in Castlemartyr Resort for the last nine years.

“We went there originally because they let us take Cherry, and thankfully that’s never changed,” she says. “We go back every summer, and I tell them every year — this is why we come back!”

Tim Magee, Cork-based managing director of Host PR, agrees that not rolling out the welcome wagon for family pets is “a missed revenue opportunity” for Irish hospitality businesses.

“Being pet-friendly has been the norm for decades in big cities like New York, LA, Paris or London,” he says. There are exceptions, but Irish establishments, he says, are “only beginning to come around.”

“The Twelve Hotel in Barna was welcoming dogs on day one, they’re still doing it 10 years later, and they just won Gerogina Campbell’s Hotel of the Year, so clearly it doesn’t negatively impact your business or ratings — on the contrary, it can be a boost,” he says.

Host represents a number of dog-friendly establishments, including Castlemartyr, The Twelve, The Lodge at Ashford Castle, and Ballyvolane House, and their offices are also dog friendly.

We are SO looking forward to seeing all of your #DogFriendlyIrelandDay photos on Friday!! Just in case you haven't heard all about the big day - please see: https://t.co/WneVFAx4ql 🐾 pic.twitter.com/01yEM7x7X3
— Dogs Trust Ireland (@DogsTrust_IE) June 20, 2018

Tim’s 14-year-old Labrador cross, Bishop, frequently accompanies him to the company’s South William Street base, where copywriter, Orla Dukes might have her rescue lurcher, Flee with her, and account manager, Breffni O’Dwyer will have her cockapoo, Sadie, at her feet.

In fact, if it wasn’t for the dog friendly atmosphere at Host, Breffni admits she couldn’t have offered Sadie a home.

Breffni O Dwyer north strand with Sadie a cockapoo dog enjoying the good weather in st Stephens Green, Dublin. Photo Gareth Chaney Collins.

“I’d wanted a dog for a long time, but I couldn’t have left her home alone all day,” she explains. Sadie has been Host’s resident office dog since she was eight weeks old, and Breffni says, as an employee, she benefits hugely from having her there.

The pair enjoys the 30-minute walk to work, and at lunchtime, Breffni says, “having Sadie here makes me get away from my desk, and I definitely come back with a fresher head.

“Dogs make everything calmer. They’re super chilled, and you don’t get overwhelmed if you have a dog at your feet,” she says. “Every lunch time in Stephen’s Green I meet people with their dogs, so I think more and more people are getting wise to the benefits.”

Where to take your trusty companion for your lunch

Doneraile Wildlife Park and Tea Rooms: Get a good walk in on the picturesque grounds, then stop for a hearty lunchin the tearooms.

Glebe Country House: Treat your pooch to a night away. They can enjoy welcome treats and enclosed gardens at this dog-friendly gem.

The Bulman: While they recently had to enforce the government ban on dogs or risk prosecution, with the ban now lifted, your furry friend can join you once more for a pint by the fire.